Experimental and Analytical Study on Reinforced Concrete Beams in Bending Strengthened with FRP

Abstract

The performance of the interface between fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites and concrete is one of the key factors affecting the behavior of strengthened reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Existing laboratory research has shown that RC beams strengthened with FRP sheets usually fail because of either debonding of the impregnated fabric from the concrete substrate or fracture of the FRP. This work presents an experimental and analytical investigation of the effectiveness of FRP strengthening sheets on RC beams aiming at increasing their flexural strength and stiffness. Experimental results obtained from beam specimens tested under four-point bending are examined with main parameters being the resin type and the anchoring system. In addition, the procedure suggested by the EC8 - Greek Assessment & Retrofitting Code (EC8-GARC) provisions is applied and compared with the experimental results.